4 answers
Seth
Student
Callahan, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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I am a senior in high school and not sure which collage I should attend.
I really love digital media. I can never stop watching shows and movies. I would love to learn more about a career in the film industry. #film-acting #film
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4 answers
Leland Chee
Creative Executive
13
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Leland’s Answer
The first thing to know is that enjoying watching something and making it are two different things. They can certainly be compatible, but make sure you have an understanding of what careers exist in the field. Watch "making of" documentaries of your favorite filmmaker. When you watch a film, stay through the credits. Know that most of the people working on films have very specific roles. Tons of people have aspirations to be a writer, actor, or director, and the chances at making a living doing those jobs are pretty remote. So when you watch those credits, think about which of those roles suit your strengths. You might wonder why they list caterers and drivers folks in credits when they have nothing to do with what you see onscreen but know that their roles are critical to any production.
Once you have a better understanding of just what goes on behind the scenes, the next step is to start making content yourself. Make YouTube videos even if no one watches them. Find other like-minded students and collaborate on creating content. Try to incorporate video into school projects with any opportunity you can. If you are distance-learning, think about the lighting and framing of your Zoom calls as well as all aspects of how you present yourself, because whether your realize it or not, it's a production. If you have the opportunity, take school or summer courses in production or simply talk to other content creators in your area.
With a clearer understanding of what the life of a filmmaker entails and how you might be able to fit into that world, you'll be better suited to picking a college. With the entertainment industry in particular, a college's location can be critical. Knowing what career opportunities exist in that area after college can be very helpful, especially if it gives you a 4-year head start on networking after you graduate.
One other thing to keep in mind: we constantly change and grow in life and our situations often change. What your life goals and needs are today, might not be the same in 4 years. And from what we've seen in the past year, the world can change very quickly. A college education helps you to prepare for adapting for this type of change. It's also a great opportunity to open our eyes to the world of other possibilities that are out there which are not necessarily things that we see on our screens every day.
Once you have a better understanding of just what goes on behind the scenes, the next step is to start making content yourself. Make YouTube videos even if no one watches them. Find other like-minded students and collaborate on creating content. Try to incorporate video into school projects with any opportunity you can. If you are distance-learning, think about the lighting and framing of your Zoom calls as well as all aspects of how you present yourself, because whether your realize it or not, it's a production. If you have the opportunity, take school or summer courses in production or simply talk to other content creators in your area.
With a clearer understanding of what the life of a filmmaker entails and how you might be able to fit into that world, you'll be better suited to picking a college. With the entertainment industry in particular, a college's location can be critical. Knowing what career opportunities exist in that area after college can be very helpful, especially if it gives you a 4-year head start on networking after you graduate.
One other thing to keep in mind: we constantly change and grow in life and our situations often change. What your life goals and needs are today, might not be the same in 4 years. And from what we've seen in the past year, the world can change very quickly. A college education helps you to prepare for adapting for this type of change. It's also a great opportunity to open our eyes to the world of other possibilities that are out there which are not necessarily things that we see on our screens every day.
Kimberly Iannarone, PHR
Human Resources
34
Answers
North Caldwell, New Jersey
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hello! Great question, there are a few factors to look at when choosing a college that is best for you.
1. Location - Determine how far away you want to be from home. By determining this, it may narrow down your options. If you want to look at a certain part of the nation or world, then choosing a general location with sort through colleges in the area.
2. Since you already have decided on what field you want to pursue, you can look at each university to see if they offer the program. If not, then you are continuing to narrow down your search. In addition to this part, review some parts of the program to see if it interests you. Take a look at the courses they offer and research the professors who teach there.
3. Budget - Check out the cost of tuition for the school. If it is too high, you will be able to cross this off your list.
4. Visit the college so you are able to determine if it feels like the right fit for you. It may feel unwelcoming or it could feel like your second home.
Choosing a college will take some time to research. Make sure you set some time aside each week to look into colleges and tweaking your list!
1. Location - Determine how far away you want to be from home. By determining this, it may narrow down your options. If you want to look at a certain part of the nation or world, then choosing a general location with sort through colleges in the area.
2. Since you already have decided on what field you want to pursue, you can look at each university to see if they offer the program. If not, then you are continuing to narrow down your search. In addition to this part, review some parts of the program to see if it interests you. Take a look at the courses they offer and research the professors who teach there.
3. Budget - Check out the cost of tuition for the school. If it is too high, you will be able to cross this off your list.
4. Visit the college so you are able to determine if it feels like the right fit for you. It may feel unwelcoming or it could feel like your second home.
Choosing a college will take some time to research. Make sure you set some time aside each week to look into colleges and tweaking your list!
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Normally networking is important, but for the film industry it's doubly so. I'd recommend checking college's websites to ensure that they have a cinema club of some sort on campus so you can start making connections early.
Chris Kayser
Develop Ways to Sell Software Products
3
Answers
San Rafael, California
Updated
Chris’s Answer
If you are passionate about film-making, look up all the schools that specialize in this area and apply. Find an area that you want to live in (remember, you will have to live there, too), and also consider areas that are known for creating or generating successful film-makers, nurturing diverse genres or styles of film-making, or have a boit of a buzz. Success can come not only from what you study, but who you meet and the connections you make or work you do outside of school.